Collection: African & Oceanic Art

The diversity of African art is reflected in its powerful sculptures, masks, and ritual objects that embody both spirituality and social identity. From the expressive wooden masks of the Kuba, Lega, Songye, Chokwe and other peoples, used in ceremonies of initiation and dance, to ancestor figures and fertility symbols carved with striking abstraction, African tribal art unites function and form in a way that has inspired artists worldwide. These works were created not as decoration but as living instruments of ritual, communication with ancestors, and expressions of community values.

In Oceania, art was equally inseparable from ritual and daily life. Carved ancestor figures from Papua New Guinea, elaborately decorated shields, or ceremonial objects from Polynesia reflect a profound connection to myth, environment, and the spiritual world. The use of natural materials such as wood, shell, and fiber, combined with bold forms and striking symbolism, makes Oceanic art a unique testimony to the cultures of the Pacific islands. A particular highlight of our collection is an early canoe shield, the very first object acquired, which was recognized as a masterpiece and later entered the collection of the Minnesota Museum of American Art.